Orthopedic bonding agent application tool

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a tool for injecting a bonding agent into the prepared end of a bone for bonding a joint replacement device to the bone. The tool incorporates vented cells for containing the bonding agent. Force is applied to the back of the tool, while placing the front of the tool filled with bonding agent against the prepared bone area. The force causes the cells to cut into the end of the prepared bone. The force also causes the bonding agent to be forced deep into the cuts and pores of the bone.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, claims priority to and thebenefit of, U.S. Ser. No. 13/676,977 filed on Nov. 14, 2012 and entitled“ORTHOPEDIC BONDING AGENT APPLICATION TOOL,” which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a tool for aiding in theinjection of bonding agent into the knee during knee replacements.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Joint replacement surgery is usually performed on patients that havedamage to the surface of the bones that make up the joint. For example,in knee replacement surgery, a femoral and/or a tibial replacement jointprovides a new surface contact in the joint. During application of thereplacement surfaces, a bonding agent (e.g., polymethylmethacrylatecement) is used to attach the replacement joint to the bone. A majorshortcoming of the joint replacement surgery is that the bond betweenthe replacement joint and the bone tends to breakdown quicker than thereplacement joint. This premature breakdown of the bond unnecessarilylimits the life of the replacement joint.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with various embodiments, the present disclosure includesa tool for an improved orthopedic joint replacement procedure, whereinthe tool aids in the injection of the bonding agent. An apparatus foraiding in an orthopedic joint replacement may comprise a handle portionfor gripping a head portion that may contain a bonding agent. The headportion may further comprise a base plate, an external wall and aplurality of cells within the external wall defined by internal walls.The handle may be attached at one end to one of at least the exteriorside of the external wall or the baseplate. At least one or more of theplurality of cells may include a through hole at the bottom of the cell.A portion of the plurality of cells may be similarly shaped. A portionof the plurality of cells may be dissimilarly shaped. The similarlyshaped cells may be honeycomb shaped. The dissimilarly shaped cells mayconnect the honeycomb shaped cells to the external side wall. The headmay conform to the shape of the bone (e.g., end of the bone) for whichthe head is applied. The head may be shaped similar to the distal end ofthe femur. The head may be shaped similar to the proximal end of thetibia. The head may be a “bean” shape (e.g., oblong with a convex sideand a concave side, and rounded on the ends) and slightly larger thanthe distal end of the femur. The side wall of the baseplate may furthercomprise a rib wrapping around at least half of the tool on the sidenearest to the handle. The external wall may also further compriseholes. While described herein with the end of the bone, the tool may beapplied to any surface of the bone.

In accordance with various embodiments, the present disclosure includesa method for applying a bonding agent to a bone that is prepared toreceive the bonding agent as part of a joint replacement procedure. Themethod may include obtaining a bonding agent application tool comprisinga handle and a head. The head may comprise a base plate and a pluralityof cells. The cells may be filled with the bonding agent. The top of thewalls of the plurality of cells may be placed against the prepared boneend where the joint is being replaced. A force may be applied to thebase plate forcing the cells to cut into the bone and forcing thebonding agent into the cuts and pores in the bone. The force may beapplied to the baseplate by striking the baseplate with a mallet. Thetool may be removed from the end of the bone. The replacement joint maybe oriented in the area prepared with the bonding agent. The method maybe repeated for the second bone in the joint. The first bone may be thedistal end of the femur and the second bone may be the proximal end ofthe tibia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric front view of a bonding agent application tool,in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an back view of a bonding agent application tool, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a bonding agent application tool, in accordancewith various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a bonding agent application tool, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an isometric back view of a bonding agent application tool, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a bonding agent application tool, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7a is a front view of a bonding agent application tool with squarecells, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7b is a front view of a bonding agent application tool withtriangular cells and an oval shaped head, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 8 is a method of using a bonding agent application tool, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a isometric view of a top plate of a bonding agent applicationtool, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is an isometric cross sectional view of a bonding agentapplication tool illustrating a cross section of the engagement betweena plurality of holes in a top plate and a plurality of plugs in abaseplate, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a bonding agent application tool with anextended handle, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a bonding agent application tool with anextended handle, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is an back view of a bonding agent application tool, inaccordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 14 is a front view of a bonding agent application tool with anextended handle, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way ofillustration and its best mode. While these exemplary embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, it should be understood that other embodimentsmay be realized and that logical, chemical and mechanical changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus,the detailed description herein is presented for purposes ofillustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recitedin any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in anyorder and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Moreover,many of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by oneor more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includesplural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or stepmay include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference toattached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable,temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option.Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) mayalso include reduced contact or minimal contact.

The present disclosure relates to a tool for improving joint replacementsurgery. During joint replacement surgery, a bonding agent is applied tothe end of a bone that is intended to receive the new joint surface. Inaccordance with various embodiments, a tool is configured to inject abonding agent into the end of a bone that has been prepared for surgery.In various embodiments, the tool may be configured to prevent (orminimize) the bonding agent from flowing laterally out of the tool. Thetool may be configured to force the bonding agent to flow into the bone.The tool may be configured to apply the bonding agent in a uniformdepth. The tool may be configured to apply varying amounts of pressureto the bonding agent when injecting the bonding agent into the bone. Thetool may be configured to apply a different amount of pressure to thebonding agent depending on the area of the bone the bonding agent isbeing applied. The tool applies the bonding agent by cutting into thebone and forcing the bonding agent against the bone and the cuts. Invarious embodiments, the tool applies the bonding agent, cuts into thebone and forces the bonding agent against the bone and the cuts, allduring the same process. The tool incorporates vented cells forcontaining the bonding agent. Force is applied to the back of the tool,while placing the front of the tool filled with bonding agent againstthe prepared bone area. The force causes the cells to cut into the endof the prepared bone. The force also causes the tool to force thebonding agent into (e.g., deeper into) the cuts and pores of the bone.By applying the bonding agent deep into the surface of the bone, thebonding agent may obtain a stronger hold on the replacement joint and beless exposed to the various conditions inside of the patient. To achievegood depth (e.g., greater than 5 mm), the orthopedic bonding agentapplication tool may include features that aid in penetrating thebonding agent into the bone.

In accordance with various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7,the tool may be a handheld device used in surgery. For example, the toolmay comprise a handle 110 configured as a gripping surface and may beconfigured to be comfortable and/or ergonomic. Handle 110 may be longand narrow, suitable for holding in the palm of the hand. Handle 110 mayfurther be sufficiently strong and rigid to withstand or resist highforces applied to the tool during surgery. Handle 110 may be configuredto be held in one hand by a surgeon, thereby enabling the free hand toprovide the force desired to apply the bonding agent.

In accordance with various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7,the tool may be configured to receive and contain a bonding agent. Forexample, the tool may comprise a head 120 configured to contain thebonding agent. Head 120 may also be configured to apply the bondingagent to the bone. Head 120 may be configured to cut into the bone. Head120 may be configured to receive an application of force for bothdriving the bonding agent into the bone, as well as cutting into thebone itself.

In accordance with various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8,head 120 may be attached to handle 110. Head 120 may have an externalwall 122 which defines the exterior shape of head 120. Furthermore theexternal wall 122 may also define a container area for holding thebonding agent. Head 120 may have any shape sufficient to deliver thebonding agent to the bone. In accordance with various embodiments, head120 may comprise the shape of the end of the bone for which the head isapplied. In one example, head 120 may be shaped similar to the distalend of the femur. In another example, head 120 may be shaped similar tothe proximal end of the tibia. In another example, head 120 may beshaped like a bean (round on the ends with a concave side and a convexside). In another example, head 120 may be any shape provided it issuitable to deliver the bonding agent without damaging the surroundingtissue (see, e.g., FIG. 7b for alternative oval shape).

In accordance with various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3,5-7, and 9-13 head 120 may further comprise a top plate 130 which mateswith a baseplate 140. The top plate may comprise the external wall 122.As discussed herein, external wall 122 may provide a vertical boundary(i.e., a wall perpendicular to the broad surface area of the tool, forexample FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the broad surfacearea of the tool) around the periphery of head 120 creating thecontainer portion of head 120. Top plate 130 may comprise cells 124.Cells 124 may comprise additional perpendicular walls furthersubdividing the area within external wall 122. Top plate 130 maycomprise a bottom surface 131 which operates as a lower barrier. Topplate 130 may comprise hole 126 through bottom surface 131. The cells124 and external wall 122 may extend from a first side of top plate 130.Top plate 130 may include pegs 142 which extend from a second side oftop plate 130. Pegs 142 may be located on top plate 130 on a side whichmates with baseplate 140. Pegs 142 may engage baseplate 140 attachingthe two items. In various examples, peg 142 may be attached to the topplate at one end. As illustrated in figure for example, peg 142 may havea protrusion 145 at the second end. Peg 142 may be sufficiently flexibleto deform in response to be inserted into hole 144. Once inserted intohole 144, peg 142 may return to its previous position and causeprotrusion 145 to hook over retain the surface of base plate 140.

In accordance with various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1and 3-5, head 120 may further comprise a baseplate 140 which may bemoveably attached to the top plate 130. Baseplate 140 may be configuredto be sufficiently strong to receive sufficient force to drive the headof the tool and the bonding agent into the bone without breaking. Forexample, the baseplate may be configured to receive any force such as amallet strike. As illustrated in FIG. 10, baseplate 140 may compriseplugs 143. Plugs 143 may be configured to pass through and/or seal holes126. Baseplate 140 may comprise holes 144. Holes 144 may be located andconfigured to receive pegs 142.

In accordance with various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6,11-12, and 14, head 120 may further comprise an extraction handle 132.Extraction handle 132 may extend around the periphery of the head. Inone example, the extraction handle may be connected to baseplate 140 ofhead 120 by a pivot point 133 on each end of the handle. In anotherexample, the extraction handle may be connected to the external wall 122of head by a pivot point 133 on each end of the handle. As illustratedin FIGS. 11 and 12 for example, Pivot point 133 may allow the extractionhandle to rotate up and away from the plurality of cells 124 until it isperpendicular to base plate 140. Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 forexample, the pivot point 133 may allow the extraction handle to layparallel to the baseplate such that the baseplate can be struck with amallet without being interfered with by extraction handle 132.Extraction handle 132 may be configured to apply a force away from thetool and bone, such that when the tool has been used to apply thebonding agent on the bone, the handle may pull at least one of the tool,the baseplate, and the top plate away from the bone.

In accordance with various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3,5-6, and 10-14, base plate 140 may be connected to an extraction handle132. By applying a force on the handle, while top plate 130 isrestrained (for example restrained by forces caused by the bone andadhesive after application of the adhesive into the bone), the top plateseparates slightly from the baseplate, but still remains attached to thebase plate. This separation unseals the holes 126 to allow air in thecells 124. In such an example holes 126 may operate as vent holes. Thetool may then be removed from the bone, leaving the injected bondingagent substantially intact within in the bone and not within the tool.In various examples, plug 143 may be configured to substantially sealthe holes 126 when the bonding agent is being injected and when the baseplate and the top plate separate plug 143 may unseat from holes 126.

In various embodiments, the top plate may be separated from thebaseplate. For example the base plate and the top plate may be separatedmanually, after the bonding agent has been injected. The top plate maybe connected to the baseplate in any manner known in the art. Forexample, a latch or screw may connect the top plate and the baseplate.In another example. The base plate may attach to the top plate by pegs142 which pass through holes 144. In response to passing through holes144 pegs 142 may secure the base plate to the top plate, allowing thetwo to separate only a small distance. See for example the gap 170between top plate 130 and baseplate 140 illustrated in FIG. 11.

In accordance with various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, 7,and 13, head 120 may comprise a plurality of cells 124. The plurality ofcells 124 may be configured to hold a small amount of bonding compoundin each of the plurality of cells. The plurality of cells may alsocomprise a thin wall surrounding a discrete area within the externalwall. The thin wall section may be sufficiently thin and sufficientlystrong to cut into the bone in response to sufficient force. Each cell124 may have a vertical wall parallel with the external wall. Each cell124 may be a subdivision of the entire area defined by external wall122. In accordance with various embodiments, the cells may comprise anyshape suitable to contain bonding compound, cut into bone, and/or applybonding compound. In one example, each cell 124 is a square (e.g., FIG.7a ). In another example, each cell 124 is triangular (e.g., FIG. 7b ).In another example, each cell 124 is a honeycomb shape as depicted bycell 128 (e.g., FIG. 2). In another example, only a portion of the cellsare similar to one another in size and shape, (e.g., honeycomb cells 128in FIG. 2). The remaining cells may be configured in size and shapeconfigured to attach the similar shaped cells to external wall 122(e.g., cell 130 of FIG. 2 are irregular shaped).

In accordance with various embodiments, the compartmentalized cells 124are configured such that the cells prevent or minimize the bonding agentfrom flowing laterally. The cells are configured to allow the bondingagent to flow into the bone. Without being bound by theory it isbelieved that the bone, due to its varying density, requires differentpressures (sometimes very different pressures) to the bonding agent inorder get similar depth of penetration of the bonding agent. Thisrelatively uniform depth of penetration improves implant longevity. Forexample, the edges of the bone require much higher pressure forpenetration when compared to the central area of the bone. Withoutcompartmentalized cells, any pressure on the bonding agent would causeit to mainly flow to the path of least resistance. If the path of leastresistance is laterally out of the joint and/or into less dense bone,then penetration would not be uniform. For example, the bonding agentmay flow toward the center of the bone (a less dense region) resultingin much more depth of penetration at the center of the bone, with littlepenetration towards the edge of the bone where there is a greater needfor penetration. Compartmentalized cells 124 may prevent or minimizesuch flow. Cells 124 are configured to substantially maintain thebonding agent in each compartment. Cells 124 may allow for substantiallyeven penetration of the bonding agent, regardless of the amount ofpressure needed. In response to striking the baseplate with a mallet,this cellular structure automatically may allow for increased pressurewhere the bone is denser and decreased pressure where the bone is lessdense.

In accordance with various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2,4-5, 7, and 9-10, head 120 may comprise a plurality of through holes 126which pass through top plate 130. Each of these through holes may belocated in any position on the baseplate. One or more cells may containthrough holes 126 through the baseplate. For example, through holes 126may be centered within all of cells 124. Through holes 126 may beconfigured as a vent. Once the head of the tool is seated into the boneand the bonding agent is applied vent holes 126 may be opened allowingthe head of the tool to be removed more easily. In various examples,through holes 126 in the baseplate may allow for air to enter into thecells to prevent or minimize a vacuum and allow the injected bondingagent to substantially remain in the bone when removing the tool fromthe bone. For example, plug 143 may plug hole 126. In response topulling on extraction handle 132 while removing the tool from the bone.Handle 132 may cause base plate 140 to separate from top plate 130. Thisseparation may cause plug 143 which may be attached to base plate 140 toseparate from top plate 130.

In accordance with various embodiments, tool 100 may be manufactured inone part or in multiple parts. For example, tool 100 may be a singlecast part. In another example, tool 100 may comprise one or more partsincluding a separate base plate, top plate, external wall and cellportion, extraction handle, and/or handle. The base plate may attach tothe top plate by using pegs 142 which pass through holes 144. Inresponse to passing through holes 144 pegs 142 may secure the base plateto the top plate, allowing the two to separate a small distance. Thevarious components of tool 100 may be cast, molded, machined, stamped,or formed from any process known to one skilled in the art. Tool 100 andits various components may be made from any material known in the art.For example, the tool may be made from stainless steel or plastic. Tool100 may also be made from multiple materials and/or composite materials.As tool 100 may be used in a surgical setting, it may be preferable touse biocompatible materials for the construction of tool 100.Biocompatible materials may be any material that is not reactive withthe body. For example, biocompatible materials may include stainlesssteel, polyvinylchloride, polytetraflouoroethylene, polyethersulfonate,polyethylene, polyurethane, polyetherimide, polycarbonate,polyetherketone, polysulfonate, polypropylene, and/or any othermaterials known in the art.

In accordance with various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 8,the present disclosure includes a method for applying a bonding agent toa bone that is prepared to receive the bonding agent as part of a jointreplacement procedure. The method includes obtaining a bonding agentapplication tool comprising a handle and a head (step 810). The head maycomprise a base plate and a plurality of cells. The cells may be filledwith the bonding agent (step 820). The top of the walls of the pluralityof cells may be placed against the prepared bone end where the joint isbeing replaced (step 830). A force may be applied to the base plateforcing the cells to cut into the bone and forcing the bonding agentinto the cuts and pores in the bone (step 840). The force may be appliedby striking the baseplate with a mallet. An extraction handle on thetool may be raised perpendicular to the base plate (step 850). A forcemay be applied to the extraction handle in the opposite direction of thebone (step 860). The tool may be removed from the end of the bone (step870). The replacement joint may be oriented in the area prepared withthe bonding agent (step 880). The method may be repeated for the secondbone in the joint (step 890). In one example, the first bone may be thedistal end of the femur and the second bone may be the proximal end ofthe tibia.

While tool 100 has been discussed herein as a tool for joint replacementsurgery, tool 100 should not be limited to only this task. For example,tool 100 may be used to apply any agent or any bonding material to anysurface (e.g., wood, plastic, composite materials, etc.).

Systems, methods and products are provided. In the detailed descriptionherein, references to “various embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodimentdescribed may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within theknowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure,or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or notexplicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparentto one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure inalternative embodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure isaccordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, inwhich reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean“one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one ormore.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to ‘at least one of A, B, and C’or ‘at least one of A, B, or C’ is used in the claims or specification,it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone maybe present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, Calone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of theelements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example,A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. All structural, chemical,and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-describedexemplary embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in theart are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended tobe encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary fora device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solvedby the present disclosure, for it to be encompassed by the presentclaims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in thepresent disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardlessof whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recitedin the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element isexpressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does notinclude only those elements but may include other elements not expresslylisted or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

What is claimed:
 1. An apparatus configured to aid in an orthopedicjoint replacement comprising: a head having a base plate and an externalwall and a plurality internal walls within the external wall, whereinthe internal walls define a plurality of cells, wherein the plurality ofcells are configured to restrict a lateral movement of a bonding agentwithin a first cell from flowing to a second cell, wherein the head isconfigured to be removed from a bone, while the bonding agent remainsfor fixating an orthopedic joint replacement; and a top plate comprisingthe plurality of cells or the external wall.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a handle attached to the exterior side of theexternal wall or the base plate.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein afirst portion of the plurality of cells are similarly shaped and asecond portion of the plurality of cells are dissimilarly shaped.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of cellsare similarly shaped cells, and wherein the at least some of theplurality of cells are honeycomb shaped.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the plurality of cells include dissimilarly shaped cells thatconnect honeycomb shaped cells to the external wall.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the head substantially conforms to a shape of an end ofthe bone to which the head is applied.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the head is shaped similar to a distal end of a femur.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle, wherein thelongitudinal axis of the handle intersects the external wall.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the head is oblong with a convex side anda concave side and rounded on the ends.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the top plate includes pegs which are configured to align withholes in the base plate, wherein the top plate and the base plate areconfigured to mate allowing the top plate pegs to engage the holes inthe base plate causing the base plate and top plate to be moveablyattached to one another.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theexternal wall of the base plate comprises an extraction handle whichwraps around at least half of the base plate and has a pivot pointconnection between the extraction handle and a side of the head, whereinthe handle is configured to rotate up and away from the base plate. 12.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top plate separates from the baseplate and pegs unplug the holes in the base plate.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the base plate comprises plugs, and wherein the baseplate plugs align with holes defined by the plurality of cells.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of cellsincludes a through hole that passes through a bottom surface of the topplate defining the respective one of the cells.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of cells includes athrough hole that passes through a bottom surface of the top platedefining the respective one of the cells, and wherein the through holeserves as a vent when the top plate is separated from the base plate.16. A method for applying a bonding agent to a bone as part of a jointreplacement procedure comprising: filling each of a plurality of cellswith a bonding agent, wherein a bonding agent application tool comprisesa handle and a head, and wherein the head comprises a base plate and theplurality of cells; placing the top of the walls of the plurality ofcells against the bone where the joint is being replaced; applying aforce to the base plate forcing the cells to cut into the bone andforcing the bonding agent into the cuts and pores in the bone.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: removing the tool from the bone;and orienting the replacement joint in the area prepared with thebonding agent.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the removing the toolfrom the bone comprises: rotating an extraction handle on the tool untilit is extending away from the bone and the tool; applying a force on theextraction handle away from the bone; and venting holes in the bottom ofthe plurality of cells allowing the cells to be separated from the bone.19. The method of claim 15, wherein the force is applied by striking thebaseplate with a mallet.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the bone isprepared to receive the bonding agent.